Pirelli issues F1 quit threat

On the one hand, the Italian tyre company is pushing hard for a new contract, in order to continue supplying the F1 grid beyond its initial three-year deal.

But there are also signs of frustration, not just because of the widespread criticism of its 2013 tyres, and of the lack of a representative test car and warm-weather winter testing, but also because the teams are resisting the push for mid-season changes.

He also indicated that Pirelli is growing tired of its spot in the glaring spotlight of media criticism.

Referring to 2014, motor sport director Hembery said: "It's probably a year where we will probably step back, be cautious -- zero degradation, no pitstops and they (the teams) can do all the talking!"

Hembery then revealed a September 1 deadline for needing to supply teams with all the specifications of the 2014 Pirelli tyre -- which will have to be markedly different due to the new V6 engine rules.

"You can imagine how ludicrous that (deadline) is when we have not got contracts in place. Maybe we won't be here," he is quoted as saying.